Best Neighborhoods for Relocating Families in Durango: Your 2026 Relocation Guide

If you’re planning a move to Southwest Colorado, one of the very first questions you’ll ask is:
“What are the best neighborhoods for relocating families in Durango?”

As a local Realtor with nearly two decades of experience — and someone who relocated to Durango personally — I’ve helped hundreds of families find the right fit. Durango isn’t a large city, but it is incredibly diverse in terms of lifestyle, scenery, school access, outdoor recreation, and neighborhood personality.

This comprehensive guide highlights the best neighborhoods for relocating families in Durango, explaining what makes each area unique, who it’s best for, and what families should consider when choosing a place to call home in 2026.

 

1. Understanding What Families Look for in Durango

Before diving into neighborhoods, it helps to understand what makes a family-friendly neighborhood here:

✔ Quality schools

✔ Safe streets and good community feel

✔ Proximity to parks, trails, and recreation

✔ Access to grocery stores, medical facilities, and activities

✔ Walkability or easy commuting

✔ Homes with functional layouts for kids and pets

Durango checks all of these boxes, but each neighborhood does it differently. That’s why identifying the best neighborhoods for relocating families in Durango depends on what your family values most.

 

2. Edgemont Highlands — One of the Most Popular Family Neighborhoods

If you ask ten Durango locals to name one of the best neighborhoods for relocating families in Durango, at least half will mention Edgemont Highlands.

Why families love it:

• Beautiful wooded lots

• Private hiking trails

• Community amenities

• Peaceful, quiet surroundings

• Easy access to schools and downtown

Lifestyle fit:

Families who want nature, privacy, and a strong neighborhood feel.

Local Insight:

Kids here grow up exploring forests, building forts, and learning independence in a safe outdoor setting.

Explore Edgemont Highlands homes:
👉 https://durangohomesearch.com

 

3. Edgemont Ranch — Larger Lots & Strong Community Vibes

Next door to Edgemont Highlands, Edgemont Ranch offers:

• More mature trees

• Long-established community

• Larger lots

• Private fishing access

• Quiet mountain living close to town

Families who want space — but not a long commute — consistently rank this as one of the best neighborhoods for relocating families in Durango.

 

4. Three Springs — Walkable, Modern & Extremely Family-Friendly

If convenience is at the top of your list, Three Springs is an amazing choice.

Highlights:

• Sidewalks everywhere

• A town-center feel

• Community events

• Newer construction

• Affordable options compared to in-town Durango

Families relocating from Texas, Arizona, Colorado’s Front Range, or major metro areas love the ease and predictability of life here.

Why it’s great for families:

• Super walkable

• Close to the hospital

• Parks and playgrounds

• Easy school access

It’s one of the best neighborhoods for relocating families in Durango who want a suburban feel with mountain access.

 

5. Dalton Ranch & The Animas Valley — Golf, Views & Convenience

Located just 10 minutes north of downtown, Dalton Ranch is ideal for families who want:

• Bigger homes

• Sidewalk-friendly streets

• A strong community identity

• Stunning mountain views

• Convenient access to both town and Purgatory Resort

The surrounding Animas Valley offers lush landscapes, beautiful ranch-style homes, and a sunny microclimate — often with less snow than North Durango.

Who it’s perfect for:

Families wanting outdoor recreation and a true neighborhood feel without sacrificing convenience.

 

6. Twin Buttes — Sustainability + Modern Living

Twin Buttes is quickly becoming one of the best neighborhoods for relocating families in Durango, especially for buyers who want:

• Modern energy-efficient homes

• Miles of trails right outside the front door

• A tight-knit, eco-friendly community

• Proximity to downtown without losing nature access

Family lifestyle:

Kids walk and bike everywhere, neighbors know one another, and the views are incredible.

 

7. Durango West I & II — Affordability + Community

Located west of Durango, these two neighborhoods offer:

• Great value

• Community parks

• Quiet streets

• Larger homesites

• Pine tree surroundings

Relocating families appreciate that Durango West is peaceful, safe, and ideal for children who want room to explore.

 

8. Rockwood & Glacier Club — Perfect for North Durango Families

While technically north of town, these neighborhoods are phenomenal choices for families who want quick access to:

• Golf

• Skiing

• Beautiful mountain scenery

Rockwood

Offers larger homes, tall pines, and great privacy.

Glacier Club

Provides gated luxury living, but surprisingly appeals to active families who want year-round amenities.

These communities are often chosen by families relocating from warm-weather states who want a full mountain lifestyle without extreme wilderness living.

 

9. In-Town Durango — Charming, Walkable, Convenient

Durango’s in-town neighborhoods (from 8th Street to 32nd Street) consistently rank among the best neighborhoods for relocating families in Durango.

Why families love in-town Durango:

• Walkability

• Access to schools

• Close to parks

• Farmer’s markets

• Restaurants & coffee shops

• Short commutes

Neighborhoods like Crestview, Riverview, Hillcrest, and Needham are especially popular with families who want to be close to everything.

 

10. What to Consider When Choosing a Durango Neighborhood

Deciding among the best neighborhoods for relocating families in Durango requires families to think about:

Commute time

Do you want to be close to town or close to Purgatory?

Climate

North Durango = more snow
South Durango = warmer, less snow

Budget

Prices vary significantly by area.

Lifestyle

Do you want walkability? Space? Woods? Views? Amenities?

School access

Durango’s school system is excellent, but distance matters for daily routines.

As a local agent, I help families evaluate these factors to find the right match based on how they actually live.

 

11. Why Families Choose Durango at All

Beyond neighborhoods, families move to Durango because it offers:

• Safety

• Clean mountain air

• Incredible outdoor recreation

• Strong community values

• A slower pace of life

• Excellent schools

• Real connection with nature

Most importantly, Durango feels like a place where kids can be kids — and families can breathe again.

 

12. Ready to Explore the Best Neighborhoods for Relocating Families in Durango?

I would love to help you find the right home in a neighborhood that fits your family’s lifestyle. Whether you’re moving from Texas, California, Arizona, Florida, or another part of Colorado, I specialize in helping families navigate the relocation process seamlessly.

Explore homes in Durango:
👉 https://durangohomesearch.com

Download my relocation guide:
👉 https://durangohomesearch.com/relocation

Contact me directly:
👉 https://durangohomesearch.com/contact

Let’s find a home — and a community — that your family will love for years to come.